Horatio
From Latin Horātius, a Roman gens name of uncertain meaning, possibly “timekeeper”.
Every Horatio since 1880 — 1,443 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Horatio
Horatio is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #11,171 in 2025 with 6 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 1,443 American babies have been named Horatio. Its peak came in 2007, when 40 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2000s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Horatio stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Horatio year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | #11,171 |
| 2024 | 8 | #9,326 |
| 2023 | — | — |
| 2022 | 8 | #9,309 |
| 2021 | 12 | #6,852 |
| 2020 | 12 | #6,768 |
| 2019 | 8 | #9,198 |
| 2018 | 13 | #6,489 |
| 2017 | 12 | #6,848 |
| 2016 | 16 | #5,647 |
| 2015 | 9 | #8,287 |
| 2014 | 10 | #7,766 |
| 2013 | 15 | #5,764 |
| 2012 | 11 | #7,225 |
| 2011 | 10 | #7,702 |
| 2010 | 29 | #3,661 |
| 2009 | 28 | #3,759 |
| 2008 | 28 | #3,769 |
| 2007 | 40 | #2,945 |
| 2006 | 9 | #8,262 |
| 2005 | 22 | #4,109 |
| 2004 | 12 | #6,278 |
| 2003 | 10 | #6,912 |
| 2002 | 9 | #7,258 |
| 2001 | 8 | #7,813 |
| 2000 | 7 | #8,529 |
| 1995 | 5 | #9,387 |
| 1990 | 9 | #5,542 |
| 1985 | 9 | #4,467 |
| 1980 | 13 | #3,325 |
| 1975 | 13 | #2,975 |
| 1970 | 16 | #2,337 |
| 1965 | 17 | #1,957 |
| 1960 | 6 | #3,823 |
| 1955 | 9 | #2,862 |
| 1950 | 8 | #2,883 |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | 5 | #3,675 |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | 13 | #2,234 |
| 1925 | 14 | #2,253 |
| 1920 | 21 | #1,724 |
| 1915 | 15 | #1,918 |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | 5 | #1,320 |
| 1900 | 6 | #1,233 |
| 1895 | 5 | #1,165 |
| 1890 | 6 | #939 |
| 1885 | 5 | #1,013 |
| 1880 | 15 | #474 |
Famous people named Horatio
- Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson Military personnel · 1758–1805
- Horatio Gates Military personnel · 1727–1806
- Horatio Alger Writer · 1832–1899
- Horatio Parker Composer · 1863–1919
- Horatio Seymour Politician · 1810–1886
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Horatio mean?
From Latin Horātius, a Roman gens name of uncertain meaning, possibly “timekeeper”.
How popular is the name Horatio in 2025?
Horatio ranked #11,171 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 6 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Horatio?
1,443 babies have been named Horatio in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Horatio most popular?
Horatio peaked in 2007, when 40 newborns received the name.
Is Horatio a boy or girl name?
Horatio is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Horatio rising or falling?
Horatio is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Horatio?
Well-known people named Horatio include Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (military personnel), Horatio Gates (military personnel), Horatio Alger (writer).